Monthly Archives: February 2017

Rice Subsidies Complicate US/China Engagement

Posted on February 22, 2017 by grehmke

Federal farm programs regulate and subsidize wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton, and rice production and exports. These subsidies are costly to taxpayers and consumers, and complicate trade relations with China and other Asian countries. Downsizing The Federal Government (Cato Institute) reports on … Continue reading →

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Pollution and Politics for Cuban Embargo and Sugar Quotas

Posted on February 16, 2017 by grehmke

Ending the Cuba trade embargo would shift sugar production back to Cuba and away from ecologically fragile lands in the U.S. “Protect the Everglades, not sugar farmers,” (Florida Sun Sentinel, Feb 16, 2017) argues: Unfortunately, the most important state agency involved with Everglades restoration … Continue reading →

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Balseros: Story of the Cuban Rafters

Posted on February 15, 2017 by grehmke

For half a century the U.S. federal government blocked economic engagement with Cuba, forbidding trade and travel. Ending these restrictions would open the door for curious Americans to visit Cuba more easily, bringing goods and ideas to and from the long-suffering … Continue reading →

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Freedom for Cubans to Trade or Depart?

Posted on February 14, 2017 by grehmke

Students and teachers have visited Cuba for many years, as educational travel has been allowed by the U.S. government. Categories of legal travel to Cuba have been expanded. “U.S. High Schoolers Discover Cuba on Educational Trips,” (US News, March 21, 2016) … Continue reading →

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The Pacific Trade Future: China and South America

Posted on February 12, 2017 by grehmke

A sponsored Quartz post from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy: “Asia will soon be the world’s economic center—if it isn’t already” looks at the rise of nationalism: In the wake of Brexit, ascendant European nationalism, and the US elections, much … Continue reading →

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Time to End the Half-Century Cuban Embargo?

Posted on February 9, 2017 by grehmke

In the news: ” U.S. Ends Ban on China Trade; Items Are Listed“: The President’s action lifts a 21-year-old embargo against trade with China permitting selected exports to China and the import of goods from China on the same basis … Continue reading →

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U.S./China Policy, Economics, and Politics [updated]

Posted on February 7, 2017 by grehmke

U.S. federal government policies with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) involve trade and investment plus travel for tourism, education, and employment, plus migration. People and firms in the U.S. make agreements (contracts) with people and firms in China to … Continue reading →

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